Bin workers in Wirral have overwhelmingly voted to go on strike, but will delay any walkout until the coronavirus crisis has passed.
Over 180 workers who are members of the Unite union delivered a 96% vote in favour of industrial action over pay on an 80% turnout.
Unite said the dispute is a result of Biffa, the firm contracted by the council to run Wirral’s bin collections, is refusing to meet their pay claim.
The union, the biggest in the UK and Ireland, added that proposed changes in the way workers are paid is another major problem.
Unite claim that Biffa is trying to move workers from weekly to monthly pay without a proper consultation or an agreement on safeguards if mistakes in pay are made.
Prior to the strike ballot being held, talks to resolve the dispute held with the support of the conciliation service Acas broke down without agreement.
The mandate for strike action would normally last for six months, however it can be extended with the agreement of the employer.
Unite has requested this is done given the unprecedented nature of the coronavirus crisis.
Unite regional officer Steve Gerrard said: “Our members have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action and Biffa must understand that strength of feeling and resolve this dispute.
“It would not be appropriate to take strike action at the present time and Unite will not undertake any strike action until the coronavirus crisis has ended.
“As an act of good faith Unite is requesting that Biffa extends the time period when industrial action can take place.”
Mr Gerrard wants to use the delay to forge an agreement with Biffa.
He added: “Unite urges Biffa not to waste the delay in calling strike action by engaging in meaningful negotiations to resolve this dispute.
“Our members are continuing to work in very difficult conditions in order to keep rubbish off Wirral’s streets and Biffa needs to understand and appreciate that commitment.”
Speaking about the strike ballot last week, a spokesperson for Biffa, said: "Biffa continues to be in talks with our employees and their representatives and have offered a generous pay increase which is in excess of the current wage inflation indices.
“In order to ensure collection services are not adversely impacted at this difficult time, we are in discussions with Wirral Borough Council and our employees about how we continue services."
Also speaking last week, a spokesperson for Wirral Council said: “Our waste contractor Biffa is in dialogue with the Unite union and this remains a matter for the two parties.
“The council continues to support the staff and their employer to reach a swift conclusion to ensure residents do not see any impact on services.
“The coronavirus is affecting many of the services currently delivered by the council however waste collection services are continuing to operate and the council are liaising with Biffa on a daily basis.
“In the event of any disruption to services, we will endeavour to enact our business continuity plans and advise our residents and other stakeholders well in advance."
